Unifi advice

markwilliams82

markwilliams82

markwilliams82

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Evening all, I've got a UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra that I'm upgrading to a Cloud Gateway Max so that I can expand the network with cameras utilising the NVR storage

Is there an easy way to upgrade?

Would I backup the ultra, connect the max to the network to adopt, restore the backup to the max, swap out the ultra for the max?

Just want to keep my config and device names, wifi etc.

Thanks
 
Yes, you're on the right track — upgrading from a UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra to a Cloud Gateway Max can be done smoothly while retaining your configuration (WiFi SSIDs, device names, VLANs, firewall rules, etc.). Here's a step-by-step guide to do it safely and efficiently:



✅ Step-by-Step UniFi Gateway Upgrade (Ultra → Max)​


1.​


  • Open UniFi Site Manager or the UniFi Network app (cloud console).
  • Go to System Settings > Backup.
  • Download the latest manual backup of the configuration from the Ultra.

    This backup contains all network settings, device names, SSIDs, VLANs, DHCP settings, etc.
    Click to expand...


2.​


  • Power off or disconnect the Ultra from the network (but don’t factory reset it yet, just in case).


3.​


  • Plug in the Cloud Gateway Max to your network.
  • It should appear in the UniFi console as a new, unadopted gateway.
  • Adopt it into the same UniFi application/site where the Ultra was managed.


4.​


  • Once the Max is adopted and reachable:
    • Go to System Settings > Restore from Backup.
    • Upload and restore the backup taken from the Ultra.
    • Wait for the Max to reboot and apply all settings.


5.​


  • Once the Max is online:
    • Check that all settings have come through correctly: SSIDs, VLANs, DHCP, firewall rules, etc.
    • Verify that existing UniFi APs, switches, and other devices are connected and behaving as expected.


6.​


  • Once you confirm everything is working fine on the Max, you can:
    • Power off the Ultra permanently or repurpose it elsewhere.
    • Factory reset it if you want to use it in another site.


✅ What Gets Transferred with the Backup​


The backup will include:


  • Device names and settings
  • SSID and WiFi config
  • VLANs, firewall rules
  • DHCP & static mappings
  • Controller settings

⚠️ It does not include local-only device settings that weren’t adopted or manually configured outside of UniFi.
Click to expand...


Bonus Tips​


  • NVR Setup (UniFi Protect): Once the Max is active, you can now expand your UniFi Protect setup with cameras and the NVR storage, which is natively supported on the Max.
  • Make sure your cameras are in the same UniFi Protect site as the Max if you're using the new NVR features.


Let me know if you want help with setting up the NVR or adopting the cameras after this.



yungviral.gif
 
^ Nice AI! :cry:

If you're logged in on it with a UniFi account:

  1. Take backup on old device.
  2. Plug in new device.
  3. Set up internet access.
  4. Sign in to UI account.
  5. Select restore from backup.
  6. Voila!
 
Thats great thanks, seems pretty straight forward then

ChrisD. said:
^ Nice AI! :cry:

If you're logged in on it with a UniFi account:

  1. Take backup on old device.
  2. Plug in new device.
  3. Set up internet access.
  4. Sign in to UI account.
  5. Select restore from backup.
  6. Voila!
Click to expand...
Is it best to keep the old device connected whilst setting up the new device and then when its up and running, disconnect the old?
 
markwilliams82 said:
Is it best to keep the old device connected whilst setting up the new device and then when its up and running, disconnect the old?
Click to expand...
Nope, if you have a recent cloud backup there's no requirement to have the old one powered on. Just turn it off, plug in the replacement, restore from backup and away you go.
 
great, will give it a go today.

Different subject, I’ve got a UniFi lite switch in the loft to network the upstairs bedrooms and AP.

It’s showing temperature of 37.9 and heat index of 40.3 in the loft with a thermometer I have up there.
Is that ok for a switch or do I need to think of an alternative place to keep it?
 
Thanks for the reassurance

Added the new device, restored the back up and online again :) Appreciate the help!

I've now got the Unifi camera adopted and online as well. Seems to be recording events OK as I can see some playback events on my UI account

I have installed Homebridge, paired and got the Unifi plugin installed so i can get the camera visible in Apple Home. I can only seem to view live footage though and no playback events in there. Have I missed something?

Sorry I'm jumping topics from the original post
 
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